Retailers try to win hearts with deals for Valentine's Day
— -- I love you — for less.
That's what most consumers will be telling their honeys this economically challenged Valentine's Day. Savvy retailers are responding with all sorts of discounts and special deals — many of which expire today — aimed at nudging early online purchases.
Most Valentine's gifts are bought at the last minute, says Thomas Hine, author of I Want That! How We All Became Shoppers. "So offers like these appeal to people who want to feel more responsible." Which is most of us.
Some offers:
It also is discounting its long-stem roses, which are $24.99 this year vs. $29.99 last year. And it has a first-ever $19.99 Peruvian lily bouquet. Last year, its Valentine's bouquets started at $29.99. "We've never sold them for that price at Valentine's Day," says Chris McCann, president. "We recognize the American consumer is tightening up."
•Harry & David. The fruit-basket specialist has free standard delivery for select online purchases made by today. (Enter CUPID code at checkout.)
It also expects to add additional online promotions at harryanddavid.com before Valentine's Day, spokesman Bill Ihle says.
•Victoria's Secret. The lingerie seller is offering discounts for online orders through Feb. 12: $15 discounts off $100 orders, $30 off $150 and $75 off $250. (Use code BUYVS at checkout.)
It also is giving a free box of Godiva chocolates with any purchase of $60 or more only at stores, spokeswoman Jennifer Ortiz Brown says.
•Godiva Chocolatier. The upscale candymaker is promising a flat $5 shipping fee for any online order of $50 or more through today. For the first time, it's selling a $5.50 chocolate heart lollipop, a price lower than for anything it's previously sold at Valentine's Day, CEO Jim Goldman says. "We tried to be thoughtful about allowing people to find something that fits within their budgets."
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